User manual QUANTUM NDMP PRIMER

[. . . ] Network Data Management Protocol Primer White Paper A discussion of the technology that standardizes network backup in the enterprise May17, 2000 Tel: 949-856-7800 Tel: 800-248-5101 Fax: 949-856-7799 NDMP Primer White Paper Introduction The common goal of enterprise storage management systems is to provide centrally managed enterprise-wide data protection for users in a heterogeneous environment. For the enterprise, the ability to backup and restore data is as obligatory as a dial tone. Unfortunately, the heterogeneous nature of the network storage environment requires backup solutions to comply with a myriad of operating system platforms and media devices. This daunting task is one of the driving forces behind the Network Data Management Protocol (NDMP), a scalable solution that defines a common architecture for backing up data located on heterogeneous file servers in the enterprise. [. . . ] NDMP is designed to ease the burden of backup and restore operations and provide interoperability in the heterogeneous enterprise. To achieve this, NDMP sets forth a series of well-defined interfaces that address the transfer of file system and control data for backup and restore activities. Defining such a standard accelerates the deployment of interoperable backup solutions and fosters a cooperative environment in which all solution providers work toward the same goal. It also frees solution providers from dedicating resources to ensure interoperability, allowing them to redirect efforts to their areas of expertise. NDMP ensures that compliant products can be used by all customers, regardless of operating system and media device platforms. NDMP's intelligent, open-standards approach also encourages users to take full advantage of the latest architecture, while protecting their investment in their existing data management solution. NDMP compliance provides true plug-and-play interoperability to users that are accustomed to plug-and-play solutions. As a result, users can now select the best enterprise-wide backup software solutions and hardware to meet the demands of their particular environment, without concern for interoperability. Examples of products that can benefit from the interoperability afforded by NDMP include NDMP-compliant servers and tape libraries that can be delivered "backup-ready" to users. Once attached to the network, the NDMP-compliant backup software provides backup protection to the servers as part of an enterprise-wide solution. For more information about NDMP, visit www. ndmp. org. For additional information about Quantum|ATL's NDMP-compliant enterprise storage solutions, please contact Quantum|ATL via phone at (800) 284-5101 or 949-856-7800, via e-mail at atlinfo@atlp. com, or by visiting our web site at www. QuantumATL. com. 9 Confidential Information The information contained in this document represents Quantum|ATL's best understanding of the features and prices of any competitive products mentioned in this document at the time of publication. Information is subject to change without notice. Quantum|ATL makes no claim regarding the accuracy of this competitive information and specifically disclaims any and all liability for loss or damages of any kind resulting from decisions made or actions taken by any party based on this information. NDMP Primer White Paper NDMP FAQs This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about NDMP. What is NDMP? An abbreviation for Network Data Management Protocol, NDMP is an open-standard protocol for enterprise-wide backup of heterogeneous network-attached storage. NDMP was jointly developed by Network Appliance and Intelliguard software (now Legato) and submitted to the IETF for approval. What NDMP resources are currently available? You can click the URL http://www. ndmp. org/download/ to sign up for the NDMP technical discussion group and the NDMP announcement list, request that your company join the NDMP initiative and download the following documentation and software: !NDMP specification document NDMP workflow analysis document NDMP rpcgen input (. x) file NDMP software development kit (SDK) You can also contact the following FTP site (ftp. ndmp. org) to download the documentation and SDK mentioned above. What tape format does NDMP use? The NDMP data server produces an NDMP stream that the NDMP tape server writes directly to tape. Controlling this stream of data and control characters controls the format on the tape. How does NDMP control a tape library? NDMP has a SCSI interface that allows an NDMP client to pass SCSI command data blocks to a tape library attached to the NDMP server via SCSI or Fibre Channel. How does NDMP control a tape? NDMP has a tape interface that allows an NDMP client to perform tasks such as positioning the tape and reading and writing tape labels. 10 Confidential Information The information contained in this document represents Quantum|ATL's best understanding of the features and prices of any competitive products mentioned in this document at the time of publication. Information is subject to change without notice. Quantum|ATL makes no claim regarding the accuracy of this competitive information and specifically disclaims any and all liability for loss or damages of any kind resulting from decisions made or actions taken by any party based on this information. NDMP Primer White Paper Glossary The following glossary defines the technical terms in this white paper. A bold italicized word is itself defined in this glossary. Backbone A network transport system (such as Ethernet or Fibre Channel) that interconnects intermediate systems (bridges, switches, and/or servers). The amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. [. . . ] For example, a file server is a computer used to store files, while a network server is a computer that manages network traffic. A device that provides point-to-point connections. A static switch (or link switch) offers a low-cost alternative for applications that do not require the fast, dynamic switching capability inherent in the Fibre Channel protocol. A high-speed subnetwork of shared storage devices. [. . . ]